A birth doula (sometimes referred to as a birthing assistant) provides constant emotional support to a woman in labor, calming her fears and helping her through her labor by using various methods such as breathing techniques, massage, positioning and water therapy.
A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance by helping a family make a smooth transition and establish a routine with their newborn. Postpartum doulas offer breastfeeding advice and help with other newborn related concerns. Some will even run errands, do light housekeeping and cooking.
Benefits of a Doula......
Research has shown that a doula's presence at a birth can actually shorten labor time, decrease the need for pain medication and lower the need for Cesareans.